Kathleen Wheeler

Wilma Kathleen Wheeler died December 5, 2020 in Rankin, Texas.

Kathleen was born October 4, 1923 in Goldthwaite, Texas. She was the older of two daughters born to Lois and Haralson Wheeler. She moved to Rankin with her family in 1928. Kathleen graduated from Rankin High School in 1940 and then attended Sul Ross University for two years. Because of a severe shortage of teachers due to World War II she returned to Rankin to teach for two years before completing her work for her degree from Sul Ross in 1945. She also attended Texas Women’s University and the University of Southern California. Kathleen also taught in Carlsbad, New Mexico and Lubbock, Texas before moving to Dallas in 1948 to work as an Assistant Buyer for Neiman Marcus. In 1953 she returned to teaching in the Dallas Independent School District where she taught until her retirement in 1983. She taught a total of 36 years and said she was always anxious for September to come so she could begin another school year. Kathleen loved to travel and visited over 45 U.S. states. She also traveled over much of Canada and Europe.

Kathleen became a Christian at an early age and in 1937 joined the First Baptist Church in Rankin. She was a member of Gaston Oaks Baptist Church in Dallas for almost 60 years.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Norma Norris. She is survived by a number of cousins including Juanita and Billy Ross Wheeler of Ft Worth, Texas. She is also survived by many beloved friends.

Graveside services will be in Rankin Cemetery Friday, December 11, 2020 at 12:00 Noon.

Honorary Pallbearers are Therman Ross Wheeler, Robin V. Hood, Mark Wheeler, Rodd Wheeler, Kevin Wheeler, Don Rogers and Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Rankin.